Martine McCutcheon’s husband Jack McManus’ family have spoken out about their split after the actress made the shock announcement on Instagram on Thursday

Martine McCutcheon ‘s husband Jack McManus’ family have spoken out about the breakdown of their marriage.

A new report suggests that it was Jack that called time on their marriage two months ago with the “very sudden” split coming as a shock to both their families. Martine confirmed on Thursday that Jack, 40, had left her, telling fan s: “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.”

The Love Actually star, 48, originally told her friends in 2016 that the couple were going through a rough patch as she said: “Nowadays more than ever people just chuck in the towel – everything’s so disposable now.”

Martine and Jack announced the split on Thursday ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The separation came as a shock ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Jack’s aunt opened up about the split as she admitted to MailOnline “it’s been hard,” adding that “a lot had been going on for the family.” When asked why the couple had split at the family home in West Wickham she replied: “I really can’t say. Jack’s mum is over there with him now. I am looking after the dog.

‘It’s been hard. There’s been a lot going on. My sister just lost her husband as well. It was very sudden. It was announced two months ago now.” Martine spoke about difficulties in their relationship in 2016 during an appearance on Loose Women.

She said: “I think actually my friends have saved my relationship a couple of times! There have been times without a doubt – I’ve been with Jack ten years now and of course we’ve had or ups and downs – a tough eight years out of ten bless him.

Martine and Jack were together 18 years ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

His family have spoken about the split ( 
Image:
FilmMagic)“But through the trials and tribulations, I think my friends – when I feel I can’t get through to him – have made me see sense. They’ve been like ‘calm down, you really love him, you two are meant to be together, stick at it’. Nowadays more than ever people just chuck in the towel – everything’s so disposable now.”

Jack has been staying at the couples £1.5 million marital house in Surrey, while Martine is currently on holiday in Marbella with the couple’s nine-year-old son Rafferty. Speaking to reporters who visited their home Jack said he had nothing further to add to his wife’s lengthy statement.

He said: “There is nothing more to add. I will not be saying anything more about this.” A neighbour admitted that they had no idea the relationship was struggling.